November 3, 2020 | Issue #6 |
|
PTSA General Meeting and Parent Ed Event |
Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 pm
Student Mental Health in the Remote Learning Environment
Mark your calendar for our next virtual PTSA Membership Meeting. After a quick review and update of our Standing Rules, we will hear from two members of the LWHS Racial Equity Team regarding their goals and objectives for this year.
We will also hear from Lindsay McMeins, LICSW, EvergreenHealth Social Worker based at Lake Washington High School. She will be talking about how to support the mental health of our students during remote learning.
Look for the virtual meeting link in the next Kang Crier or posted on the PTSA calendar.
|
|
It's Not Too Late to Join PTSA! |
Thank you to everyone who joined LWHS PTSA in August and September. We're pleased to announce the winner of the membership prize drawing is Alexis C. Alexis, thank you for joining our PTSA and helping to support students, staff, and our community!
The response to the first membership contest was so great we have decided to hold another one! Any member (individual, family, student, or staff) who joins before November 30, 2020 will be entered for a chance to win another fun prize package! Click here to join!
|
|
SAT and ACT Practice Tests - Registration Due Today! |
LWHS PTSA is once again partnering with Princeton Review to give students the opportunity to take SAT and ACT practice tests. This year, due to COVID restrictions, the practice tests will be conducted online.
The practice tests are created from original SAT/ACT tests from past years. They are a great way for your student to get comfortable with the format and style of the SAT or ACT. Students who take the test will also be invited to a strategy session that provides tips and tricks for better performance in the actual test.
The online practice tests will occur:
- SAT: Saturday, November 7 with Strategy Session November 10
- ACT: Saturday, November 14 with Strategy Session November 17
Note: If your student has taken the test earlier, then can take the test again. However, please note that the set of questions will be the same and they will NOT get a new set of questions.
Don’t let your student miss this opportunity. Sign up for free! Registration must be completed by November 3.
|
|
Thank You from the LWHS PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee |
Thank you to all our volunteers who contributed to the Fall Harvest Snack and Caramel Apple Bar event, as well as stocking the Staff Lounge Coffee Bar. It was a huge hit! There are over 50 staff members that are working in person at the high school and they really appreciated our efforts.
If anyone would like to be notified of future volunteer opportunities for staff appreciation events, please email appreciation@lwhsptsa.org.
Linda Cheyne and Anne Allen, LWHS PTSA Staff Appreciation
|
|
Let's Chat! A Virtual Social Gathering Event for the LWHS Community
Monday, November 9 at 7:00 pm
|
We are all a little stir crazy and finding time to connect with others is critical. We know another virtual call is not at the top of the list, but we promise to make it fun and light. Please join our Family and Community Engagement Chair, Hae Sue Park, next Monday, November 9 at 7:00 pm for our first Let’s Chat social gathering. This time we will start the conversation around "Quick and easy meal ideas". Take a break, share stories and get to know some other LW parents. All are welcome!
RSVP to face@lwhsptsa.org (please put FACE in the subject line) to receive log in information for the call.
|
|
WSPTA Student Competitions |
Game Development Competition
The WSPTA Game Development Competition is open to students in grades 9-12 attending a school with a PTA in good standing. New this year! To ensure all students have an equal opportunity to participate a new category has been added: best board game. No prior knowledge of programming is required. This year's theme is Hope. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2021. Click here for more information.
Essay Contest
The WSPTA Essay Contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of students.
The Essay Contest is open to all students in K-12 across the state. The application deadline is March 1, 2021. Find guidelines, application forms and more on the WSPTA website.
|
|
Advocacy - Legislative Assembly Recap |
Over 50 PTA members from our Council attended WSPTA's Legislative Assembly on October 24-25. Here are the top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2020-2021:
- Increase access to Nursing, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning Staff
- Support Students and Preserve Education Funding
- Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
- Support and Funding for Students with Disabilities and Their Families
- Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Suicide.
Thank you to all of the delegates who shared their weekend to help support our kids and communities!
LWHS PTSA Advocacy Chair
|
|
Support Groups for Parents and Students |
Kang Families, just a friendly reminder that EvergreenHealth Social Workers continue to run weekly virtual groups for parents or students on topics such as Healthy Youth Development, Coping with Anxiety and Depression, Self-Care and Coping with COVID and Mid-week Mindfulness.
Click here for more information, including the log in information for the virtual sessions. You will also find information and links to the group meetings on the LWHS website calendar. Everyone is welcome. In addition, social workers are available to provide support to LWSD high school students, parents and staff every day that school is in session (M-F, excluding holidays) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
|
|
First Fridays for Freshman
This Friday, November 6 at 3:00 pm
|
LW Link Crew’s First Fridays for Freshmen events are for all students new to LWHS. Students will hear from staff and student guest speakers, as well as ask questions to school administration, counseling, ASB, and more! Our next event is this Friday, November 6 at 3:00 pm. Students can access the event through a link that will be sent to their school email. This is a student only event and students will have to join with their school emails. Registration is not required.
|
|
From the Athletics Department |
You can help with the restart of LWHS Athletics! Students and parents alike are encouraged to focus on doing everything possible to allow for a safe restart. Each of us can make a difference with both our actions and our attitudes:
- Encourage and model adherence to science-based guidelines designed to control the spread of disease (frequent hand washing, wearing masks, social distancing).
- Avoid large gatherings and situations where adherence to the guidelines is unlikely.
- Keep a positive attitude! We grow through the challenges we face. Kangs are aLWays rising, and there is a lot of opportunity for growth right now.
You can also help us with our planning by registering for all intended sports NOW through Final Forms. Having all our potential student athletes registered is critical for us to accurately plan for a restart of our athletic activities. Registration requires paperwork from both students and parents, and every student must have a valid pre-participation physical examination on file with the Athletic Office. No participation fees are being collected at this time.
|
|
As we continue to adjust and settle into remote learning, LW Library is proud to offer three different ways to access books including curbside pickup! Check out Ms. Courage's Sway for more information.
If your student is experiencing technical problems, please have them email Ms. Courage for help at ecourage@lwsd.org. If the issue cannot be fixed remotely, onsite help is available by appointment.
Don’t forget your student has many library resources available at their fingertips through the Virtual Library Teams Page. Students can utilize the Ask-A-Question Channel for nearly instant help with things like: “Why didn’t I get a pen?” to “Does anyone have the schedule for this week?”. It’s a great way to connect!
|
|
From the Counseling Center |
College Applications
It’s college application season, and students naturally have a lot of questions. It’s the first time they’ve been through this very new (and sometimes confusing) experience and a lot is riding on their final submission. There is so much information on our LW Counseling website that students can check out.
- We have both written and visual presentations that students can easily access.
-
They can print off an unofficial copy of their transcript to help them complete their academic history and order an official transcript to be sent to their college choices.
- The differences between the submission sources--like Common Application, Coalition, and SENDedu-- are explained.
- Students need to follow the directions that each college application details for them.
Students are encouraged to submit their applications early and not wait until deadlines. Remember, December 4 is the cutoff date to request transcripts and to request the counselor complete any online School Report Form (i.e. through Common Application, SENDedu, Coalition) for January 1 due dates.
And we remind students every year that counselors are unavailable during Thanksgiving break and winter break. During this time, we are unable to respond to emails or phone calls, so please advise your senior student to have his/her college application questions answered prior to the winter closure.
Seniors Applying to UW
The application deadline is November 15. Students are encouraged NOT to wait until this date to submit their applications. The site slows considerably with so many students submitting their applications. De-stress and apply early!
LWHS Counselor
|
|
Virtual College Application Workshop/Essay Support Now Available! |
LWHS PTSA is pleased to provide students with FREE virtual application essay support on Wednesdays after school and select evenings via ZOOM. Students can connect with trained volunteers who will assist with editing college application essays and personal statements. Volunteers can also answer questions about the college application process and steer students in the right direction for any additional support they might need.
Each one-on-one session will be 30 minutes. Students must sign up in advance for a specific time/date. Parents are welcome to join the call as well!
Sign up HERE to reserve your spot NOW!
|
|
Yearbook Deadlines for Seniors |
Senior Portrait Submissions
If students want to use their senior portrait for the yearbook, please submit to Jostens by December 1, 2020. Details can be found on the LWHS website under Yearbook.
Senior Recognition Ads
Looking for an additional way to celebrate your senior? Through Jostens, parents have the opportunity to create a senior recognition ad for their student that will go in the Yearbook. It’s a way to celebrate all of their hard work and accomplishments and commemorate a unique year. The deadline for ads is also December 1, 2020. Click here for more information.
LWHS Yearbook Advisor
|
|
Indian Parent Support Group |
Youth Eastside Services in Bellevue is offering a support group specifically for Indian parents with children aged 6-17 residing in East King County. The first weekly session is this Thursday, November 5. Click here for more information.
|
|
The Lake Washington Schools Foundation Updates |
Upcoming Balance in Mind Events
Balance in mind continues to offer youth mental wellness support this school year. Talk with mental health professionals and other parents in a safe and supportive environment. The next sessions are November 4 and 18. Click here to learn more.
There Is still time to donate to "All in for Kids”
The LWSD community is facing challenges that have never been seen before. The Lake Washington Schools Foundation is uniquely positioned to address the growing and changing needs of students and families in our community. Will you be all in for kids with us? Make your gift today!
|
|
November 6: First Fridays for Freshman
November 9: Let's Chat! Virtual Parent Connection Event
November 11: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 18: PTSA General Membership Virtual Meeting, 7:00 pm
November 25: Half Day
November 26-27: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
|
|
Information distributed in the Kang Crier does not imply endorsement by Lake Washington High School PTSA. We assume no responsibility for any content that does not originate from lwhsptsa.org, nor do we independently verify or exert editorial control over information not specifically endorsed by LWHS PTSA. Lake Washington High School PTSA shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by the use of this content. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
